Perhaps a controversial reference but relevant nevertheless, Machiavelli once noted that there is nothing more difficult “than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things”1 this certainly speaks to the challenge facing innovators as they create a “new category”, especially in a space that has been static for some time. Junkosha, a Japanese technology company, have a rich history of firsts, which have leveraged their core competencies in fluoropolymers and demanding wire and cable applications. This white paper outlines the experiences of one such first – Junflon Peelable FEP Heat Shrink.

Smart companies know that well disciplined new product introduction (NPI) processes are critical to success. Yet, even these companies can suffer from NPI failure when important projects, policies, and guidelines are haphazardly managed as clumsy manual processes.

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
Diagnostic medical ultrasound requires psychomotor skill in image acquisition and cognitive skill in image interpretation. There is a lack of an objective, quantitative, and standardized method to assess psychomotor skill. In traditional radiology and cardiology training programs, physicians are certified based on duration of training and number of procedures performed. However, assessment of trainee skill is now mandated by the worldwide shift toward competencebased medical education. The benefits of skill assessment are: 1) it provides trainees with feedback on their progress, 2) faculty can identify which trainees require additional help, and 3) hospitals have a standard for credentialing.

A post-capture aerogel degradation via cryogenic grinding is compatible with downstream nucleic-acid-based molecular modes of analysis.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California
A makeshift apparatus has been designed composed of a sealed, hydrophobic 2-propanol/SiO2 aerogel component to filter outside air particles. Following verification and assessment, the apparatus was crafted with a Buchner funnel. Aerogel matrices were tightly fitted into filter housings and secured in side-arm flasks, which were then equipped to a vacuum pump to pull air through the aerogel matrices. Aerogels, both with and without fiberglass reinforcement, were used to collect airborne particulates for one- and three-hour increments. An untreated negative control aerogel, employing air collection from a laminar hood, and a positive aerogel matrix were seeded with endospores that verified the extraction from the matrices.

This tool can be adapted to track fatigue levels of individuals in occupations associated with high levels of exhaustion or periods of circadian misalignment.
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
To ensure mission success, astronauts must maintain a high level of performance, even when work-rest schedules result in chronic sleep restriction and circadian misalignment, both of which can contribute to fatigue and performance deficits unless effective countermeasures are used. The overarching goal of this project is to build an Individualized Fatigue Meter to provide astronauts and mission support personnel with immediate feedback about their alertness or fatigue levels. The Individualized Fatigue Meter incorporates sleep history, ambient light levels, schedule information, and performance tests to provide immediate individualized feedback about alertness, and allow critical insight when making decisions about scheduling future sleep periods and selecting fatigue countermeasures.

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
Nanomaterials are comparable in size to various biomolecules (1 to 100 nm), and have unique properties such as enhanced electrical conductivity, increased chemical reactivity, and novel optical properties that make them attractive candidates for various biomedical applications. Their comparable size and unique optical properties have been utilized to develop efficient tools for subcellular imaging and delivery of biomolecules. Traditional bimolecular delivery methods utilize plasmids, cationic polymers, lipids, and viruses that have inherent disadvantages such as degradation in physiological solutions, and the need for complex conjugation techniques.

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
This invention relates to the general field of bio-chemical separations. Current methods for separating nucleic acids either lack sufficient selectivity or large-capacity production as required for gene therapy or DNA vaccines or other applications. There is a need for more selective methods of separating nucleic acids that results in a relatively uncontaminated product in larger volumes and yields than achieved with currently available separation methods.

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This week's Question: In recent years, hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested into space ventures. SpaceX, an advanced spacecraft manufacturer founded by Elon Musk, has completed more than 30 successful launches since 2006, delivered...